Westmoreland Park Tour

Westmoreland Park Tour

This route introduces two Eugene greats in different fields: educator, musician and community activist Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. and track phenomenon Margaret Johnson Bailes.

Dr. Coleman toured as a bass player before earning his Ph.D. in theatre and communication at the University of Oregon. He taught at the UO for nearly 30 years—including courses in African-American literature, which paved the way to the founding of the UO’s Department of Ethnic Studies. After his death in 2017, the Westmoreland Park Community Center was renamed in his honor. It’s home to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley, whose mission is to inspire and empower all young people, especially those in need, to reach their full potential.

Margaret Johnson Bailes is the only female track athlete from Oregon to win an Olympic gold medal. She helped coach track at Churchill High School and was inducted into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame in 1991. In 2008, the new track at Arts & Technology Academy was named in her honor.

Directions

Travel to the Boys & Girls Club of Emerald Valley at the Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr. Community Center and, if driving, park in the lot near the center, just north of Arts and Technology Academy. Walk to the front of the center and find a plaque just outside the main entrance.